Former Prince Albert Pulp Mill acquired by ‘redevelopers of legacy industrial lands’

“When we look at these sites, they have big power, they have rail access, they have highway access, they have buildings. Of course, they also come with lots of challenges and environmental challenges and cleanup elements that you need to address. So, when we look at these sites, we’ll see all those assets and ultimately look at how can those assets be repurposed for other industries and opportunities,” he said. “We look to bring in a diverse number of end users and businesses that can leverage the assets, so if one user disappears, the whole place doesn’t fall apart.”

Rickett said BMI Group has multiple former pulp mills across the country they’ve already repurposed successfully, including a site in the Niagara, Ont. region.

“Today we have it fully tenanted with a range of industries – some manufacturing, some clean technology companies, some modular housing construction, data…a full range of end users, a company called CHAR uses wood waste to create their renewable energy gas.”

That’s the model they hope to bring to Prince Albert – a reactivated site with a range of future tenants that can leverage things already happening in Saskatchewan from a critical minerals perspective to a wood fibre perspective. Rickett said conversations have already begun with the province, local municipality and First Nations communities, and other potential tenants.

“We’re really excited about this new partnership with the BMI Group. It speaks directly to our vision of Prince Albert as a healthy city of opportunities, one that supports diversity and innovation,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky. “Repurposing the former pulp mill site is not just about revitalizing an underutilized property; it’s about strengthening our local economy, creating new opportunities, and positioning our community for long-term growth.”

“This partnership represents a new chapter for the James Smith Cree Nation,” said Chief Kirby Constant. “It’s grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for the future. By working alongside BMI, we’re building more than a project, we’re strengthening our Nation and creating opportunities that will benefit our people for generations to come.”

In a community that’s heard several action plans for the mill in the past, yet had nothing really come to fruition, Rickett said BMI is cautious about making commitments.

“We understand commitments have been made in the past and they haven’t happened,” Rickett said. “We’re very clear that this will never be a pulp mill again. That’s not the commitment we’re making. We’re going to look at new end users for the site that can ultimately leverage the infrastructure that’s there and ultimately look at what those new opportunities are.”

The Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce said it’s looking forward to working with BMI to do that.

“A diversified mix of employers will not only strengthen Prince Albert’s economy but also create lasting opportunities for local businesses, trades, and workers. This kind of partnership between the private sector and the community is exactly what drives long-term resilience and growth,” said chamber CEO Patti Hughes.

BMI did not disclose their cost to acquire the former pulp mill.

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by Teena Monteleone

Former Prince Albert Pulp Mill acquired by ‘redevelopers of legacy industrial lands’

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